In the late 1970’s, members of Gardena Valley Baptist Church, a Japanese American church in a neighboring city, began gathering for monthly home Bible studies in the Palos Verdes Peninsula under the leadership of the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS). Sensing a need, these members began to envision and pray about the formation of a church that could outreach to second, third, and fourth generation Japanese Americans as well as to Japanese nationals on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

As the group began meeting biweekly, it formed a relationship with First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes and started holding gatherings at its facility. Weekly Sunday worship services began in 1985, and in 1986, Palos Verdes Baptist Church was incorporated as an official church and member of the American Baptist Church USA.

Over the years, with the changing demographics of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, PVBC became a predominantly Asian American multi-generational community composed of American born and overseas born Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders as well as non-Asian and multi-racial families and individuals. 

PVBC has been a home for many, becoming a base of community and faith in this local community. As we recently celebrated our 40th anniversary, we look back on the meaningful ways that God was at work here, the lives that have been transformed by His love and grace, and His faithfulness through it all. Looking ahead, we anticipate with hope the story God is continuing to write here.